Seven people, including five children heading to Disney World, were killed in a fiery multiple vehicle pile-up on a US highway.

The Florida crash, involving two trucks and two passenger vehicles, led to diesel being spilled across the road, triggering a massive blaze.

The dead youngsters had all been in a passenger van. Both truck drivers also died.

The collision happened on Interstate 75 close to the city of Alachua, some 130 miles north of Orlando.

Unfortunately, this is a mass casualty crash with fire and an extensive scene. The crash is in the NB lanes. We needed to keep a route for first responders open. We apologize for delays in the commute. This required all hands on deck. The closure is going to be lengthy. https://t.co/hslC4aqHFT

Releasing further details of the crash, Florida Highway Patrol said one of the trucks travelling northbound had collided with a passenger vehicle causing both to cross the central reservation into the opposite lanes.

The truck then hit a passenger van and another lorry travelling southbound.

This caused the van to overturn "ejecting" some of its occupants, while both trucks caught fire.

The five children confirmed dead had been in the van and were from Louisiana.

The aftermath of the crash closed part of the highway in both directions, causing major delays.

Alachua County Sherriff's office said in a tweet that a route needed to be kept clear for emergency crews responding to the deadly collision, which "required all hands on deck".